Roland Ekama, Lagos
Following positive responses shown by indigenes from Edo and across the globe for the year’s art festival scheduled to hold in Benin City the state capital, the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) ,has said it’s currently under pressure to host NAFEST 2019 edition .
Barely, two months to the flag off of Nigeria’s unity festival , feverish logistics activities and promotion are currently ongoing with Edo indigenes living abroad
According to statement made available to DAILYFOCUS NEWS ONLINE on Wednesday , noted that ” From daily calls, electronic mails and video calls, Edos in diaspora have inundated the Abuja office of the council, asking for updates, travel tips, hotel accommodation and other logistics in place to ensure a hitch free festival.
It noted further that ” Even as many of them stated that they will storm the foremost National festival with their families and friends.
It added also that “An enquiry letter from an enthusiastic Edolite living abroad , noted that the festival must hold as it will help project the over four hundred years Edo history and culture and also to appreciate the Oba of Benin who has used his diplomatic experience and contacts to highlight the need for the restoration and repatriation of Edo artifacts fretted away by European invaders during the slave trade era.
The statement further quoted that DG NCAC, Otunba Segun Runsewe, saying ” from the interest so far shown by Governor Godwin Obaseki, Oba of Benin and the people of Edo state both at home and abroad are clear indications that the preparation for the festival be taken more serious than ever before.
He added that “We are under pressure, a positive sign that NAFEST Edo,2019 in October must be given total attention.
“The response is encouraging and NCAC is ever ready to deliver and make Nigeria the destination for culture and tourism festivals in the world.” Runsewe stressed.
